World-Champion Breakdancers Bring Hip‑Hop, Culture, and Confidence to John Stanford International School

For one energetic week, the gym at John Stanford International School (JSIS) transformed into a vibrant space of music, movement, and motivation as Massive Monkees—an internationally recognized hip‑hop crew of DJs, emcees, and b‑boys and b‑girls—worked side by side with students across all grade levels. 

Families packed the space for the celebration of student learning. Students will showcase some of the skills they’ve practiced during the week, and Massive Monkees closed the event with a special performance—bringing the residency to an inspiring, high‑energy finale. 

Founded in 1999, Massive Monkees have competed in dance battles around the globe and continue to use their platform to uplift young people through their partnership with the Breaking Boundaries Foundation. The foundation’s mission is to empower youth to learn breaking as a lifelong activity, offering a sense of accomplishment, community, and the belief that boundaries—both in dance and in life—are meant to be broken. 

The JSIS annual Dance Residency offers students the chance to learn about music, dance, and culture through direct instruction from professional artists. This year’s focus on hip‑hop and breakdancing introduced students to choreography, freestyle movement, and the history and values behind the art form.  

Breaking Through Growth Mindset 

Throughout the week, each grade level learned its own unique dance, building skills step-by-step while encouraging teamwork and mutual support. It culminates in an assembly that combines interactive breaking performances with talks centered on resilience, kindness, and dreaming big.  

At the heart of every performance are core principles woven into the movement and message: grit, hard work, kindness, compassion, teamwork, and striving to be your best. Through these ideas, the artists aim to empower students with tools for both personal growth and long‑term success. 

“Creating art and giving the youth something to have an outlet in is very important to us,” said Massive Monkees dancer Noah Ranola. “Not only giving them an outlet to show their expression, but also teaching them key life skills such as perseverance and dedication.” 

The experience was made possible thanks to support from the school’s Parent Teacher Association and the dedication of specialist teachers who organized and supervised the weeklong program. 

Rebecca Hultman, the school’s physical education teacher, helped organize the event. She said the residency aligns perfectly with the school’s goals. Past residencies have explored styles such as folk dance, Capoeira, and Motown.  

“It’s really all about exposure to new art forms and getting them excited,” Hultman said. “Dance is something that’s accessible to every student. It doesn’t require any equipment, and there’s a lot of creative expression involved. Students can think creatively and make their own movements, and that’s something they can take with them as they leave.”  

Jerome Aparis, one of the co‑founders of Massive Monkees, reflected on the broader impact of the work.  

“We use breaking as a way to empower the youth,” he said. “It’s not so much about dancing—it’s about perseverance. Seeing a student fall, then have someone come over and give them a thumbs‑up, and finding the courage to get back out there—that’s what it’s all about.”